Airport news

Airport traffic down in October and November

During October, 470,931 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), a decrease of 4.3 percent compared to October 2008. The traffic leader in October was Delta with 76,935 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (68,521), AirTran (68,181), US Airways (50,123) and JetBlue (46,265).

During November, 598,478 passengers traveled through RSW, a decrease of 0.8 percent compared to November 2008. The traffic leader in November was AirTran with 101,993 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were JetBlue (89,652), Delta (74,224), Southwest (65,202) and US Airways (54,598).

Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 2.5 percent over the same period last year.

Air Canada offering nonstop service to Montreal

Air Canada now is providing weekly nonstop service to Montreal from RSW. Flights from Montreal arrive in Fort Myers at 4:12 p.m. and depart Fort Myers for Montreal at 5:05 p.m. each Sunday.

This is the second nonstop destination Air Canada offers to Canada from RSW. The airline currently offers year-round nonstop service to Toronto

Tours and flights available as WWII aircraft come to Page Field

Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs will have the opportunity to tour or take flight in rare World War II aircraft Jan. 25-27 when the Collings Foundation brings its Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine” heavy bomber, Consolidated B-24J Liberator “Witchcraft” heavy bomber and North American Dual Control P-51C Mustang “Betty Jane” to Page Field General Aviation Airport.

The stop in Fort Myers is part of the Collings Foundation’s “Wing of Freedom Tour,” an annual 110-city nationwide tour in its 21st year of showcasing rare living aviation history. The B-17, one of the most recognizable bomber aircraft of World War II, is one of only nine in the nation in flying condition. The B-24J and Dual Control P-51C are the sole remaining examples of their type flying in the world.

The public is invited to take ground tours or make reservations for flight experiences. The planes will be displayed on the ramp at the north end of Page Field. Walkthrough tours are available for a donation of $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Ground tour and display hours are 2-4 p.m. on Jan. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 27. The flight experiences normally are scheduled before and after the ground tour times. Flight costs for the B-17 or B-24 are $425 per person for a 30-minute flight. P-51 flights are $2,200 for a 30-minute flight and $3,200 for a full hour. All flight experiences are a tax-deductible donation. For flight reservations, call 800-568-8924. For more information, visit www.collingsfoundation.org. 

For more information on airport news see the News section of RSW's Web site, www.flylcpa.com  or contact Victoria B. Moreland, public relations department director for the Lee County Port Authority, at (239) 590-4502.

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